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Latest reviews by Shannon Sansone
Shannon Sansone recommends this race
(2019)
"Wicked Good Time!"
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The race starts in front of the Virginia Beach Convention Center where you are very quickly met by masses of costumes, music and excitement! The Convention Center was open pre-race which was nice (yay for real restrooms) and there was plenty of space to spread out and wait for the start.
The course was fun, flat and packed with spectators. There was several noteable course entertainment stops : walking through zombies, clowns with red balloons spread throughout, thriller dancers performers and a “trick or treat” stop featuring candy corn. There were plenty of water stops (about every 2 miles) which was nice for the warm day. Overall, the best way to describe the course was “alive” – everyone was smiling, laughing and having a good time.
The final mile (ish) is on the boardwalk so you get to say hello to King Neptune as you approach the finish line. It's a fast finish and you're flanked by spectators on either side cheering you in. At the finish line you're greeted with bottled water, granola bars, a nice medal and finishers item – glass pint glass and a koozie.
After making in through the finishers corral, you enter the after party on the beach! Baker’s Crust soup, Blue Moon Beer, Angry Orchard Cider (3 per runner) and live music. There are tables set up to link up with your friends and enjoy your post race brew(s). All of this, of course, with the lovely backdrop of the ocean.
Such a fabulous race and a wonderful start to Halloween! I'll definitely be back, in fact I'm already planning my costume for next year... :)
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Shannon Sansone recommends this race
(2018)
"Fun girls trip race!"
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Ran this race on a whim as part of a girls trip and I would definitely come back! Huge expo with a lot of different vendor options, fun course (a little tricky but not deathly) and very well organized for the size! Medal was extremely sturdy and the finish line area is extremely easy to navigate. I’ll definitely be back, PA!
Shannon Sansone recommends this race
(2018)
"Solid hometown race!"
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Monument Ave is the hometown race that everyone runs! I love having such a huge race in my city. It’s out and back, flat and fast! At the finish it’s a tiny walk to the finish line party - but no food is included with race entry. You can prebuy subway but they do give snacks. Medals and T-shirt are usually nice but nothing special. Overall great crowd support (pending good weather) and fun to run with all your friends
Shannon Sansone recommends this race
(2017)
"Norfolk’s Finest!"
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100 stars if I could! I absolutely love this race and wish I would have added it to my annual calendar earlier. Expo is small, but organized. Still has vital supplies available for purchase along with race swag. Nevertheless the expo is very easy to navigate and find. The race is extremely well organized and is plain & simple a well oiled machine - like any other J&A race. The course is exciting, flat and fast and there’s constant crowd support. This race is my current PR so it’s near and dear to my heart but the finish line is electric! At the Finish line awaits a party (again, in J&A fashion) with food and beers galore.
The race swag is top notch and the challenge medals are my favorite! They’re big, sparkly and definitely make a statement. Fall races are my favorite and this one is top notch!
Shannon Sansone recommends this race
(2017)
"Repeat EVERY YEAR!"
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Hands down my favorite race series! Parking is in an abundance around the coliseum and surrounding lots and not far to walk, race is extremely organized and well staffed. It’s always hot but the staff acts quickly providing cold towels, extra water stops as needed. The finish line party is a short walk away and a craft beer festival and soup await you! An excellent band is there along with plenty of photo props/spots. It really is a neighborhood party and one that has been on my race calendar for several years now, SHELL YEAH!